Dela Rosa on 2022 presidential bid: I’m very much qualified, I come with a clean heart
Screenshot from Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s interview with Senate reporters on Monday
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Monday said he is “very much qualified” to become the country’s next president and because of his “clean heart” and sincerity.
“I come with a clean heart. That’s my best weapon, kasi kung tainted yung puso ko [because if my heart is tainted], I think I am less qualified,” Dela Rosa told reporters in an online interview on Monday.
“Pero malinis yung puso ko kaya I’m very much qualified. I am sincere, hindi ako plastik na tao. At kaya kong harapin lahat ng risk dito sa posisyon na ito,” he added.
(But my heart is clean, that’s why I am very much qualified. I am sincere, I’m genuine. And I can face all the risk that comes with the position.)
Dela Rosa, in a surprise move, filed his certificate of candidacy for president under the Cusi faction of the ruling PDP-Laban party on Friday.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa files his COC for president. FILE PHOTO
Many have suspected that the senator is only a placeholder for presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Dela Rosa, however, stressed that while he was a last-minute choice, he was not told he will only be a “temporary standard bearer.”
“I am here to present myself as the legitimate standard bearer of our party,” he said.
When asked about the programs he would offer to the public during his campaign, Dela Rosa said he has “many” but did not elaborate.
“Marami, wag na muna tayong pumunta sa detalye…Masyado tayong maaga para sa mga ganun, sabihin ng mga tao ‘yabang naman nito’,” he said.
(I have many programs, but let’s not go into details yet…It’s still early for that, some people may say I’m arrogant.)
“Hindi naman ako tanga na tatakbo na walang hinahanda, or ihahanda para sa ating bansa. Buhay ko ay nakahanda para dito sa ating bansa yung pagtakbo ko,” he added.
(I’am not stupid to run without preparing any program for our country. I will even offer my life for the country in my candidacy.)
Dela Rosa is seeking the presidency three years into his six-year term as a first-time senator.
Asked if he thinks he is prepared to become president despite not finishing his first Senate term, the senator replied: “I’m ready.”
“Bakit, requirement ba na tapusin yung pagiging senador para maging presidente? [Is a full Senate term required to be a president?]” he asked.
